Today’s Reflection
To forgive other people for being able to give us only a little love—that is a hard discipline. To keep asking others for forgiveness because we can give only a little love—that is a hard discipline, too. It hurts to say to our children, to our wife or our husband, to our friends, that we cannot give them all we would like to give. And it is a hard discipline to offer forgiveness to others even when they are not able to receive that forgiveness. Still, offering and receiving forgiveness is where community begins to be created. Community forms when we come together in a forgiving and undemanding way.
—Henri J.M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, Editor, A Spirituality of Living (The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, published in partnership with Upper Room Books, 2011)
Today’s Question
Why do you think Henri Nouwen emphasized forgiveness as the beginning of community? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[Jesus said] Forgive others, and God will forgive you.
—Luke 6:37 (GNT)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, We look to your Son Jesus as our example of a balanced life—solitude, community, and ministry. Help us to know our belovedness in you and to spread the message of your love. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
What does it mean to be contemplative? This Lent, Roger Owens invites us to approach prayer and life differently. Join us for a free webinar on January 30, 2023, as we explore 7 Prayer Practices for Lent with Roger Owens and prepare ourselves for a contemplative approach to the Lenten season. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Henri Nouwen emphasized forgiveness as the beginning of community because God loves us even as sinners. God welcomes a broken, contrite heart. Jesus, Emanuel, God with us forgave those who crucified Him saying, they know not what they do.
Snow yesterday, if you want to ski you have to do it when it is snowing Today it’s raining all day -as much as an inch. it’s a warmer wetter winter.
Progress with paperwork for our annual charge conference.
Have to catch up with NEM.
Continued GOOD NEWS from NEM! David and Larry doing well with PT or a healing knee. Lewis eating and drinking. Jill in warmer climes with her family, a contract at school and better, safer conditions. Hope Julie is doing well, caring for H is a task. Amazing how that one line from Mary perked us all up! Thank you Mary! Fellowship is a wonderful blessing. God is with is always, Thank You, Lord.
Because he recognized that we cannot truly commune together if we hold animosity for someone in our hearts. To authentically exist in community with others we must come together authentically.
Yesterday was the coregiver’s support group meeting in the morning and grocery shopping in the afternoon. It was also a day filled with dealing with h’s confusion and hallucinations. He was particularly bad yesterday. I pray today is not a repeat. Megan is suffering from a very bad cold. She feels fine but sounds very bad.
Forgiveness (The Lord knows I’m not good at it) can build a foundation and make way for the openness and unconditional love required for healthy community. I watch a video on YouTube in which the speaker advised when we pray, to release to God our feelings of bitterness. This is a daily step for me, because I give these feelings to God one day, and the next day, they are dogging me again. I must conquer each day.
David is working hard, according to his therapists. Pray this trend continues. Pray for the towns damaged by yesterday’s storms, and for those whose loved ones were killed. A funnel cloud was spotted near David’s rehab facility but thankfully, no touchdowns. A couple of towns not too far away sustained heavy damage. 7 people killed.
Prayers for Larry as he continues to rehab his knee. Prayers for Jill to be rested and refreshed from her time in Florida. Prayers for Robert as he continues completion of paperwork for charge conference. Prayers for Julie as she cares for H. Give her what she needs, Lord. Prayers for healing for Megan. Thanks to Robert and Julie for your insight into today’s question. Thanks to our NEM community for the mutual live and support. As the old hymn, Blessed Be The Tie That Binds, days, We share our mutual burdens and often for each other flows a sympathizing Tear.
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